Australian Burr Grass Plant Care
Tragus australianus S.T.Blake
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Tragus australianus, common names Burr grass, Small burrgrass, and Tickgrass, is a summer ephemeral grass, first described by Stanley Thatcher Blake in 1941. It flowers in response to rain.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Australian Burr Grass?
Water Australian Burr Grass every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 40–70% humidity.
What Is the Australian Burr Grass?
Australian Burr Grass (Tragus australianus) belongs to the Poaceae family within the Tragus genus. Australian Burr Grass is native to arid and semi-arid areas.
Australian Burr Grass displays a low-growing spreading grass growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Australian Burr Grass produces small inconspicuous flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Australian Burr Grass?
Tragus australianus requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Australian Burr Grass Need?
Australian Burr Grass thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Australian Burr Grass Prefer?
Tragus australianus grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Australian Burr Grass prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Australian Burr Grass?
Well-draining sandy soil with good aeration. Good drainage is essential for Australian Burr Grass to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Australian Burr Grass?
Does not require frequent repotting. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Australian Burr Grass?
Australian Burr Grass can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to european burr grass plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Australian Burr Grass Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Australian Burr Grass, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Australian Burr Grass?
Australian Burr Grass is susceptible to no common pests known. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Australian Burr Grass Need?
Australian Burr Grass grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Australian Burr Grass is native to arid and semi-arid areas. In cooler regions, grow Australian Burr Grass as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Australian Burr Grass is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Tragus genus — compare its care with other Tragus species on PlantoScan.
Tragus is part of the Poaceae plant family — browse all Poaceae genera and species.
Australian Burr Grass thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Tragus australianus S.T.Blake, family Poaceae (first published in Pap. Dept. Biol. Univ. Queensland 1(18): 11 (1941)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Australian Burr Grass, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
Identify Plants Like the
Australian Burr Grass Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species